Dandie Dinmont Terriers - Burke's Backyard Dandie Dinmont Terriers Lifespan: 14 years Recommended for: Families The Dandie Dinmont is probably the only dog breed in the world named after a fictitious character. The original Dandie Dinmont was a farmer from the Scottish borderlands, who featured in an 1814 novel, ‘Guy Mannering’, by Sir Walter Scott. Scott wrote that the character, Mr Dinmont, had developed a particular style of terrier much admired by the local people for their fearlessness before weasels and stoats. Mr Dinmont had only two names, Pepper and Mustard, for his 20 dogs: “There’s auld Pepper and auld Mustard, and young Pepper and young Mustard, and little Pepper and little Mustard…”. The names referring to the individual’s coat colouring. The real Dandie Dinmont was probably farmer Jamie Davidson of Hindlee who bred a race of ‘mustard and pepper’ terriers. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1820) himself owned a matching pair of mustard and pepper terriers and was a great supporter of the line.

Its popularity peaked during the 19th century but has since waned this century. It failed to impress well-known animal writer Gerald Durrell who, in his book ‘My Family and Other Animals’, wrote that his brother Larry Durrell proclaimed of the breed: “She looks as though she was bred to go down holes after sewage.” It is a rare breed, there are less than 100 dogs in Australia today. Appearance: The Dandie Dinmont is a dwarf, whiskery-faced dog with a lot of appeal.It has a large head, long, slightly arched body and short legs giving it a low-slung look similar to a Dachshund. It stands 20-28cm (8-10″) at the shoulder and has a double coat. The outer coat is harsh, often described as “crisp and weatherproof”. The undercoat is soft and downy. It has a soft topknot of fur, looking like fluffy Afro. Temperament: The Dandie Dinmont is said to be the most placid terrier. They are friendly, adaptable but with an independent streak. Individual dogs may bond strongly with their owner and not welcome other pets.

Health: May be susceptible to back strain. Avoid stairs. Glaucoma is an eye disease causing blindness which may be corrected surgically. Cushings syndrome is a wasting disease characterised by extreme thirst and urination, due to excess cortisol produced by the adrenal gland. It can be controlled by drugs. Grooming: Exhibition dogs have their coats ‘stripped’, which means literally removing old long hair to expose the new, coloured coat. Only the first 2cm of the coat is coloured, either mustard or pepper. If the coat grows too long the dog can appear white and pet owners, who may prefer to clip the coat rather than strip it, may end up with a dog which looks similar to a well-trimmed West Highland White Terrier. A regular weekly brushing is required or the coat can matt because it doesn’t shed like most dogs. Breeders also suggest trimming the hair around the dog’s anus to minimise problems with faeces catching in the fur. Ideal owner & housepet potential: While owners say they are good family dogs, Dandie Dinmonts will often bond more closely with one person. They do not like being left alone so are best suited to an owner who is home for most of the day.

Their small size and need for company makes them well suited to older people or those in flats. The coat requires a commitment to weekly brushing. Space & exercise: Dandie Dinmonts can take as much or as little regulated exercise as offered but a backyard romp each day is a recommended minimum. Longtime owners recommend sound fences as many Dandie Dinmonts are accomplished escapists. Training: Their typical independent terrier attitude means they are harder to train, requiring perseverance and patience. Basic leash training is recommended. To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations. The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breeds "The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue." Author Unknown Dandie Dinmont Terrier A Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small breed of dog in the terrier family. The breed has a very long body, short legs, and a distinctive "top-knot" of hair on the head.

Appearance Dandie Dinmonts are between 8 and 11 inches tall at the top of the shoulders and can weigh between 18 and 24 pounds. The dogs are sturdily built with strong bone structure and ample muscular strength. The color is either pepper or mustard. Pepper ranges from dark bluish black to a light silvery gray, the topknot is a silvery white. Mustard can range from a reddish brown to a pale fawn, with the topknot a creamy white. Temperament The Dandie Dinmont is affectionate and fun-loving. It makes a great companion dog. Lively, plucky, determined and willful. Independent and intelligent. Bold yet dignified. Reserved with strangers and protective of family and home. Good with all well-behaved children and babies as long as they are raised with them from puppyhood. Dominance level varies greatly. Some males can be aggressive with other male dogs in the household. History This short legged terrier was developed in the 17th century as an otter and badger specialist in the Cheviot and Teviotdale Hills in the border country of Scotland and England.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is named after Dandie Dinmont, a jovial farmer in Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering. Scott also gave the names to the breed's colours, pepper and mustard, which were adopted from the names of Dandie Dinmont's dogs. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only breed to be named after a character in fiction. Dandie Dinmont terrier | breed of dog | Britannica.com Dandie Dinmont terrier Boston terrier Dandie Dinmont terrier, breed of terrier developed in the border country of England and Scotland . First noted as a distinct breed about 1700, it was later named after a character created by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Guy Mannering (1815). Unlike other terriers, the Dandie Dinmont has a softly curved, rather than angular, body. It has large eyes, a long body, short legs, and a large, domed head crowned by a silky topknot. Its crisp-textured coat, a combination of hard and soft hairs, may be pepper (silver-gray to blue-black) or mustard (light fawn to reddish brown) in colour.

The Dandie Dinmont stands 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 cm) and weighs 18 to 24 pounds (8 to 11 kg). Dandie Dinmont terrier dog domestic mammal of the family Canidae (order Carnivora). It is a subspecies of the gray wolf (C. lupus) and is related to foxes and jackals. The dog is one of the two most ubiquitous and popular domestic animals in the world (the cat is the other). For more than 12,000 years it has lived with... Dandie Dinmont terrier - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The Dandie Dinmont terrier is an intelligent breed of terrier known for its short legs, long body, and relatively large head. The peppery or reddish coat is shaggy and crisp and hair is especially abundant on top of the head and on the muzzle. Ears are broad and set low on the head so they hang down and back along the neck. The tail is long, shaggy, and tapered at the end.

The Dandie Dinmont’s dark eyes are large, round, deep-set, and bright. The adult stands 8-11 in. (20-28 cm) tall at the shoulders and weighs 18-24 lbs (8-11 kg). The Dandie Dinmont terrier is more serene than other terriers and can be an excellent house dog. The breed was developed in Cheviot Hills area of Great Britain in 1600s to rout out badgers and otters from holes. Sir Walter Scott immortalized the breed in his novel Guy Mannering (1814) by naming a character Farmer Dandie Dinmont. Article History Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience.

You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later.

Close Article Title: Dandie Dinmont terrier Website Name: Encyclopædia Britannica Date Published: April 12, 2007 URL: Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Westminster Kennel Club Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dandie Dinmont Terrier Terrier Group The Dandie Dinmont terrier is the only breed of dog named for a fictional character. In 1814, Sir Walter Scott published a novel titled “Guy Mannering.” In the book, a farmer named Dandie Dinmont kept six terriers of a type long known in the border country between England and Scotland. From that point forward, this breed has been known as Dandie Dinmont’s terrier – now with the apostrophe and “s” dropped. The Dandie is a true terrier made up of all curves instead of the straight lines of most other terriers. He combines an affectionate and dignified nature with tenacity and boldness. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Pictures Temperament The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a fun-loving companion dog....

It is lively and friendly and gets along well with children of all ages and sizes if raised with them from a young age. They are protective of their home and males can be aggressive toward other male dogs, especially if they both live in the same home. This breed tends to be wary of strangers and other pets. It will only tolerate cats with which it has been raised with from puppyhood. Dandie Dinmont Terriers can be stubborn, but they are not difficult to train. Patience is a must when training this breed. Like all terriers, the Dandie Dinmont enjoys a good dig. Caring For a Dandie Dinmont Terrier The Dandie Dinmont Terriers size and even temperament make it a good dog to have in an apartment.... When taken outside, be sure to keep them on a leash unless you are in a fenced and secure area because they are constantly on the prowl for small animals and may take off after a cat or squirrel. Regular exercise is always a must for dogs, but this breed can generally adapt to whatever activity level is present in the home. Although this breed sheds a minimal amount of hair, regular brushing is still recommended as well as professional grooming.

The dead hair in their coat should be plucked out every few months. Although a very healthy breed, the Dandie Dinmont sometimes suffers from invertebral disk disease and glaucoma. Breed History In the 1700s, two types of distinct terriers were emerging throughout Britain.... One type had a long back, short legs and a rough coat, and the other was smooth-coated with a shorter back. Both terriers were used to kill vermin as well as other ground animals such as otters and badgers. At the time, the long-backed, rough-coated terrier was seen as better suited to the job because its coat could withstand any weather or environment, it had a strong sturdy body, and its jaws were very powerful. In the early 1800s, controlled breeding of dogs for certain duties became very popular and Scotland focused on the short-legged, rough-coated breeds. Out of these breedings, various types of terriers emerged, one being the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The breed owes its name and popularity to an 1814 novel by Sir Walter Scott titled Guy Mannering, in which a character named Dandie Dinmont owned a pack of these impressive terriers; the Dandie Dinmont is the only AKC-recognized breed to be named after a fictional character. The dog's small size and big personality made the decision to bring them to America easy, and the dogs earned their keep during trans-Atlantic passages by killing rats and entertaining the crew. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1886, just two years after the AKC itself was founded. Dandie Dinmont – GW LITTLE Dandie Dinmont Dandie Dinmont Dog Breed Information Yes, believe it or not but the Dandy Dinmont is named after a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering. They were originally bred for the same purpose as most other terriers, to hunt down vermin. They excel at it, especially catching mice. Now, they are much sought after for companion dogs. Today's Dandy Dinmont makes an excellent family dog. They do ok with older children that are well behaved.

They're very kindly, affectionate, lively dogs that have an independent streak a mile-wide! They're very intelligent and can be trained easier than some other terriers, although they can be stubborn so consistence is necessary to drive home the lessons. They're loyal to their family and make a good watchdog. Dandy Dinmont's are an extremely rare breed, and there is much concern that they will become extinct before too long. The Dandy is longer than he is tall, and they are a fairly healthy breed. If they're allowed to become overweight they can have back problems when they're older. Dandy's do not need a ton of exercise and will do ok in an apartment if they get regular walks. They should never be allowed off-leash unless they're contained in a fence because they love chasing cats and squirrels, and even the best trained Dandy will take off in hot pursuit! Although Dandy Dinmonts shed very little they do require brushing every other day, and professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks. If you would like more information about this great little breed, you can visit American Kennel Club at .

If you would like information on adopting a Dandy Dinmont in dire need of a loving family, you can visit or PetFinder.com . Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs Height: 8 inches to 11 inches tall at the shoulder Weight: 18 to 24 pounds Life Span: 12 to 15 years The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog with a unique appearance and the distinction of being the only dog named after a fictional character. This low-to-the-ground dog, with a body that is longer than he is tall and a distinctive "poof" of hair on his head, had been bred for many years before he gained fame and a name in Sir Walter Scott's book Guy Mannering, published in 1814. In that book, a farmer is portrayed as having six small, long terriers — three with a salt-and-pepper coloring and three with a "mustard" tone to their coats.

The farmer's name was Dandie Dinmont and so the little dogs came to be known as Dandie Dinmont's terriers, with the apostrophe "s" being dropped as time went by. Even the color designations of the breed came from this fictional farmer. He had only two names for his small dogs: Pepper and Mustard. He differentiated them by calling them Auld Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper and Little Mustard. To this day the two colors of the breed are still known as Pepper (bluish black) and Mustard (shades of golden brown). In his book, Scott, who owned some Dandies of his own, described the little dogs as follows: "He evolved from the Scottish Hillside, the grey mists forming his body, a bunch of lichen his topknot, crooked juniper stems his forelegs and a wet bramble his nose." Dandie Dinmonts are unusual looking dogs that unfortunately are becoming rare. They have large, domed heads, with large, dark eyes that are set low in the front of the head. Their long ears are set low on the skull and fringed at their tips.

Dandies have large chests and long backs. Unlike most terriers, Dandies have many curves in their shape. The back arches over the loin (the back end) and drops slightly to the base of the tail, which itself curves like a scimitar. Their front legs are short and powerful with paws that turn slightly outward for digging . The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, and not as heavy. They typically are 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 18 to 24 pounds. Dandies are affectionate, lively dogs. Like many terriers, they also are independent and determined. They are very intelligent and typically are bold in defending their territory and family, but reserved with strangers, at least initially. Many describe them as being dignified, and even 100 years ago, they were described as having "melancholy eyes as of a nobleman in disguise." Dandies typically get along well with children and other pets , so long as they are brought up with them or exposed to them in puppyhood .

Although their exercise needs are not great, you should always keep them on a leash in unfenced areas, as their instincts to chase game might kick in at an unexpected moment. Training your Dandie will take a bit of patience. They seem to get bored with repetitive tasks. Make training fun for your Dandie, and you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns and how clever he truly is. Highlights If your Dandie Dinmont Terrier becomes overweight, he can have back problems. Be sure to monitor his food intake and give him regular exercise to keep him in shape. Dandie Dinmonts are independent and can be stubborn when it comes to housetraining. Crate training is recommended. Dandies are reserved with strangers and make good watchdogs. Their bark is surprisingly loud and deep, but being a typically reserved breed, they can be trained to be quiet on command. Because they are terriers, they are prone to chasing rabbits, birds, and even other dogs and cats. Be sure to keep your Dandie on leash when he's not in a secure area. Because of their unusual looks and small size, they could be targets for dog thieves.

Although Dandies do well outdoors, they should be kept in your house when you can't supervise them. Dandie Dinmonts are a rare breed. It may be difficult to locate a reputable breeder , and even when you locate one, you may have to wait several months for a litter to be born. While Dandies typically aren't aggressive dogs , they will not back down from a challenge from other dogs, no matter what their size. Be sure to keep your Dandie under control until you know that both he and the other dog are friendly to each other. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments. History There are records of Dandie Dinmont Terriers being bred in the early 1700s, but stories about how the breed was developed are conflicting. Some think they were a cross between Otterhounds and local terriers in the Border Country between Scotland and England. Others think the breed evolved from the rough-haired terriers common on farms.

Yet others believe the breed was developed by crossing terriers with Dachshunds (although it's unclear how the Dachshunds, being developed in Germany, would have been in the same proximity as the terriers). Whichever theory one wants to believe, the fact is that Dandies are one of the oldest distinct breeds of terriers. Unlike many breeds, the Dandie hasn't changed much since the early 1700s. Today's Dandie Dinmonts certainly resemble the one depicted in Gainsborough's 1770 portrait of Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, although a number of other breeds also have claims to being the dog depicted with the duke. Although Dandies were well-established and bred true to type for many years, they didn't have a unique name until Sir Walter Scott mentioned them in his book, Guy Mannering, which was published in 1814. Before then, terriers of all types were simply called terriers. As an owner of several Dandies himself, Scott described them in his book as being owned by a farmer named Dandie Dinmont.

From that book, the breed became known as Dandie Dinmont's Terriers, with the apostrophe and the "s" being dropped as years went by. Dandies are said to be the first of the terriers to be given their own name. In 1875, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in Scotland, and the standard for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was written. This club today is the third oldest breed club in the world. At their first meeting, many breeders disagreed about the correct size of the breed. At the time, Dandies ranged in weight from less than 10 pounds (used to hunt weasels and other small burrowing animals) to more than 40 pounds (used for hunting otters, foxes, and badgers). A compromise was made and the breed standard — a written description of how the breed should look — called for Dandies to range between 14 and 24 pounds. In the 1920s, this was amended to 18 to 24 pounds.

Otherwise, the standard remained the same in England and other parts of the world as it was on the day that it was written in 1876 for more than 100 years. In 1987, the British club and many others changed some of the wording of the standard, and throughout the years, the American standard has been modified and revised. Today, the Canadian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club is the only one in the world that still uses the original standard as its guide. Dandie Dinmont Terriers came to be bred by many people and some have particularly interesting stories, such as Old Pepper, one of the most well known dogs in the history of the breed. Old Pepper was supposedly caught in a trap on the estate of the fifth Duke of Buccleuch. Although his pedigree was unknown, he was bred and sired a son named Old Ginger, whose name can be found in the pedigree of nearly every Dandie Dinmont alive in the world today. Dandie Dinmonts became very popular in England in the late 19th century. Queen Victoria, an avid dog lover, owned a Dandie.

It's not recorded when the first Dandies were brought to the U.S., but the American Kennel Club registered a Dandie named Bonnie Britton in the first year of the Stud Book Registry in 1886. In the years leading up to World War II, there were many large, famous kennels that bred Dandies. During the war, however, many of these kennels were dispersed. Some even destroyed their dogs because there was not enough food to feed them nor enough people available to take care of them. After the war, dedicated breeders worked hard to re-establish the breed. One of the most famous of these kennels was Bellmead Kennels, a large boarding kennel in England. They bred a dog named Bellmead Delegate, who was a significant sire that won many shows. Bellmead continued breeding Dandies until the early 1990s, when the kennel was sold to Battersea Dogs Home. Today the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the rarest and most endangered of all purebred dogs. The Kennel Club in England has put it on their list of endangered native breeds and many fear that it will become extinct.

Size Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 18 to 24 pounds. The length of their bodies, from the top of their shoulders to the base of their tails, should be twice their height, minus one to two inches. Personality Dandies are typical terriers : independent, bold, tenacious, and intelligent. With people they know, they're affectionate yet dignified but tend to be reserved with strangers. Because Dandies are reserved dogs , they are not "barkers," as are most of their terrier cousins. Dandies will bark when necessary, and their bark is deep and loud. They just don't seem to think it's proper to keep barking after the alarm has been duly noted or to bark just to hear their own voices. Like most terriers, Dandies have a great deal of self-confidence. They are not high-strung as are many terriers, however. Nor do they seem to be out looking for a fight, as many terriers do. Dandies are never bullies, but they won't back down if they are pushed too far.

Overall, their motto seems to be "live and let live." Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization . Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — usually the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Like every dog, a Dandie needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when he's young. Socialization helps ensure that your Dandie Dinmont puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Health Dandies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Dandies will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Dandies, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Glaucoma: Some lines of Dandie Dinmont Terriers appear to be prone to glaucoma, which causes an increase in pressure in the eyeball. Signs of glaucoma are squinting, tearing, rubbing, or redness of the eye.

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to have your vet check your dog immediately as treatment should be started preferably within a few hours for greatest success. Cheyletiella yasguri mites: While these mites can invest any dog, it appears that Dandie Dinmont Terrier pups and adults become invested with them more commonly than most other breeds of dogs. Signs of these mites are scaliness on the skin, small white Cheyletiella mites moving on the surface of the skin (walking dandruff), itching, skin redness, and small swollen areas. Your vet can prescribe treatments to get rid of the mites. Spinal problems: A Dandie can easily injure his long back. Be careful to support his back when you pick him up and discourage him from jumping on or off high places. Instead, provide pet steps to the sofa or bed. Epilepsy: Some Dandies have been reported with epilepsy . If your dog has seizures, ask your vet about treatment. Care Dandie Dinmont Terriers are adaptable and will enjoy city or country life as long as they get quality time with their people.

They can live in smaller quarters, although they need to be walked regularly or have a yard to play in. Two 20- or 30-minute walks daily or time spent playing in the yard will keep them happy. Like all terriers, digging is in their blood, so either supervise outdoor playtime or provide them with their very own digging spot . Never allow them off-leash in unfenced areas as their instinct to hunt and chase may be provoked by the slightest movement of a squirrel, bird, or other dog or cat. An underground electronic fence won't deter them in the least, so stick to a solid barrier. Training your Dandie will take a bit of patience. Like all terriers, Dandies are independent thinkers, and they may often seem reluctant to respond to your commands. They also seem to get bored with repetitive tasks. Make training fun for your Dandie, and you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns and how clever he truly is. Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the hands-on test. Place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't feel the ribs, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Dandie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog . Coat Color And Grooming Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a crisp topcoat that covers a soft, downy, waterproof undercoat. The topcoat, which is about 2 inches long, gets its crisp texture from the mixture of two-thirds hard hair with one-third soft hair. The topknot is very soft silky hair.

They come in two distinctive colors: mustard and pepper. Mustards are a reddish brown to a pale fawn with a creamy white topknot. Peppers are a dark bluish black to a light silvery gray with a silvery white topknot. Although Dandies look very natural, they actually have medium- to high-maintenance coats. Even though they shed very little, Dandies need to be brushed two or three times a week to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Part of keeping your Dandie well-groomed involves plucking dead hair from the coat once or twice a year. Show dogs require this much more often. The hard hairs are stripped out to encourage new hair to grow. Most pet owners find a good professional groomer to strip their Dandie's coats. If you cut your Dandie's hair instead of stripping it, the color and texture changes, becoming lighter and softer. Complete a Dandie's hair care by trimming the hair on top of the muzzle short, and keeping the corners of the eyes free of hair. The soft furnishings — the long hair on the legs, underbody, and head — can be trimmed with scissors, as can the hair between the footpads.

Hair in the ears should be removed regularly by gently plucking it out. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Dandie's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim nails regularly if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep your legs from getting scratched when your Dandie enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Begin accustoming your Dandie to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.

Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Children And Other Pets Dandies typically get along well with children and other pets, so long as they are brought up with them or exposed to them in puppyhood. An adult Dandie who's unfamiliar with children may do best in a home with children who are mature enough to interact with him properly. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Rescue Groups Dandies are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. These dogs may end up in need of adoption and or fostering.

BORDERS RAILWAY IS JUST “DANDIE” BORDERS RAILWAY IS JUST “DANDIE” Friday 14 August 2015 Sir Walter Scott’s birthday marks 3 weeks to go till opening of new scenic line Author’s famous dogs ‘paws’ to wait for train into Scott country Two Dandie Dinmont Terriers, the dog breed famously named and owned by Sir Walter Scott, travelled to Waverley station this week to honour the great writer ahead of his birthday this Saturday (15 August). The date marks the start of the three-week countdown until the opening of the Borders Railway (5 September), a new scenic train journey that VisitScotland hopes will be a success with tourists, taking them deep into the heart of the landscapes Scott wrote about in his famous novels and poems. The Dandie is the only dog breed to be named after a character from fiction - Dandie Dinmont was a Border Farmer in Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novel Guy Mannering. The novel, published 200 years ago this year, led to a craze for the Dandie among Lords and Ladies, the rich, the famous and the titled of the age.

As well as naming the Dandie Dinmont breed, Sir Walter Scott helped to create the breed as it is thought that every Dandie in the world can trace their pedigree back to the Borders and a dog bred by the Scottish writer. Sir Walter Scott (born on 15 August 1771) was a poet, novelist, ballad-collector, critic and man of letters, but is probably most renowned as the founder of the genre of the historical novel, involving tales of gallantry, romance and chivalry. Beginning with the publication of Waverley in 1814, his anonymously published Waverley novels proved hugely popular in Europe and America, and established his reputation as a major international literary force. VisitScotland is embarking on a national and international marketing and PR campaign to encourage visitors to experience the Borders Railway, and all the attractions along the route when the line opens in September 2015. It is hoped that the worldwide interest in Sir Walter Scott will be a huge draw, as visitors can follow in the footsteps of the renowned writer, starting in Edinburgh with The Scott Monument and The Writers’ Museum, before taking the Borders Railway through the landscapes that inspired his writing.

At the end of the journey, there’s Abbotsford, near Tweedbank, where a new award-winning visitor centre tells Scott’s remarkable story, from his birth in Edinburgh in 1771 to the cultural legacy he left to Scotland and the world. Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said: “Sir Walter Scott’s birth date is an appropriate landmark to celebrate three weeks to go until the Borders Railway opens up Scott country to the world. The Dandie Dinmont is such an iconic, rare breed, originating from the Scottish Borders, I would not be surprised if there was another rush to own one in the future! “We are excited that we are moving ever closer to the launch of this magnificent new line and we are working with partners to ensure the tourism potential of our Borders Railway is fully realised both nationally and internationally, encouraging visitors to explore yet more of Scotland’s beautiful urban and rural landscapes.” Paul Keevil, Co-ordinator of the Dandie Dinmont – 200 years campaign said: “It is a very special year for The Dandie Dinmont Terrier in the Borders.

We celebrated a 200th anniversary at Abbotsford in February and now we have the honour of supporting the countdown the the Borders Railway. We hope many people will discover the wonderful landscape and history of the Borders and who knows, perhaps discover another of Scotland's hidden treasures - the Dandie Dinmont - as well!” The Borders Railway begins service on Saturday 5 September with a special ‘Golden Ticket’ Day where local community members ride on the new line a day before the first paying customers come on board. Public service will begin on 6 September. On 9 September, HM The Queen will officially open the Railway with a special steam train trip which also marks the day she becomes Britain’s longest-serving monarch. The project is being delivered as part of the ‘Borders Railway Blueprint’, that sets out an ambition to fully realise the economic benefits of the Borders Railway, transform tourism opportunities and open up communities in South-East Scotland as new places to live, work, learn, play and grow. More info on the Borders Railway Blueprint can be found here -

Question: The Dandie Dinmont is a dog breed named after a character from which novel by Sir Walter Scott?
Answer: Guy Mannering